‘Hijacking’ by Hackers

March 18, 2014

To the Editor:

Re “Out of Control,” by Gregg Easterbrook (Op-Ed, March 18): Yes, transponders and other equipment in airline cockpits can be turned off or disabled physically by pilots or intruders. Just as readily, however, they can also be manipulated from external sources.

Modern aircraft can be completely “hijacked” and fully controlled electronically from the ground, by satellite and by specialized aircraft in the same vicinity. Remote control technology is decades old but has become especially refined through drone aircraft development and improvements in electromagnetic weaponry and software.

Aircraft transponders and other equipment can also be jammed or made to send “ghost” or false signals. Mr. Easterbrook asserts that a “transponder’s off switch is a vestige of an earlier era.” That may be. So, too, are hijackers storming a cockpit with knives and guns.

The more problematic threat to aircraft integrity isn’t hijacking but hacking into an aircraft’s various systems through malware and active electronic interception. Those are plausible causes of this particular flight’s fate.

MATT ANDERSSON Chicago, March 18, 2014

The writer is the founder and former chief executive of Indigo Airlines.